Vaccinations are one of the most important decisions you can make for your pet’s health. Puppies and kittens are born with temporary immunity from their mothers, but this protection fades within the first few months of life. Without vaccinations, young pets are vulnerable to potentially fatal diseases like parvovirus, distemper, and rabies.
This guide covers the recommended vaccination schedules for puppies and kittens, what each vaccine protects against, and how much you can expect to pay.
What Vaccines Do Puppies Need?
Puppy vaccines are divided into two categories: core vaccines (essential for all puppies) and non-core vaccines (recommended based on lifestyle and geographic risk).
Core Vaccines for Puppies
Every puppy should receive these vaccinations regardless of lifestyle²:
DHPP/DA2PP — A combination vaccine protecting against distemper, hepatitis (adenovirus), parvovirus, and parainfluenza
Rabies — Required by law in all 50 states; protects against the fatal rabies virus
Non-Core Vaccines for Puppies
Your veterinarian may recommend these additional vaccines based on your puppy's risk factors:
Bordetella — Protects against kennel cough; recommended for puppies attending daycare, boarding, or dog parks
Leptospirosis — Protects against a bacterial infection spread through contaminated water
Lyme disease — Recommended for puppies in tick-endemic areas
Canine influenza — Recommended for social dogs in high-risk environments
Puppy Vaccination Schedule
Age | Core Vaccines | Optional Vaccines |
|---|---|---|
6-8 weeks | DHPP (1st dose) | Bordetella |
10-12 weeks | DHPP (2nd dose) | Leptospirosis, Lyme, Influenza |
14-16 weeks | DHPP (3rd dose), Rabies | Leptospirosis, Lyme, Influenza |
12-16 months | DHPP booster, Rabies booster | As recommended |
Puppies need multiple doses of the DHPP vaccine because maternal antibodies can interfere with vaccination. Boosters every 3-4 weeks ensure protection develops as maternal immunity fades.²
When Should Kittens Get Vaccinated?
Kittens follow a similar vaccination timeline to puppies, with the first vaccines starting at 6-8 weeks of age.
Core Vaccines for Kittens
All kittens should receive these vaccines³:
FVRCP — A combination vaccine protecting against feline viral rhinotracheitis (herpesvirus), calicivirus, and panleukopenia (feline distemper)
Rabies — Required by law in most areas; can be given as early as 12 weeks
Non-Core Vaccines for Kittens
FeLV (Feline Leukemia Virus) — Highly recommended for kittens that will go outdoors or live with FeLV-positive cats
Kitten Vaccination Schedule
Age | Core Vaccines | Optional Vaccines |
|---|---|---|
6-8 weeks | FVRCP (1st dose) | FeLV (1st dose) |
10-12 weeks | FVRCP (2nd dose) | FeLV (2nd dose) |
14-16 weeks | FVRCP (3rd dose), Rabies | — |
1 year | FVRCP booster, Rabies booster | FeLV booster (if applicable) |
Even indoor-only cats should receive core vaccines. Viruses like feline herpesvirus can enter your home on clothing, shoes, or through open windows.³
Why Are Vaccinations Important?
Preventing Fatal Diseases
Vaccines help protect against diseases that can be deadly—especially for young pets. Canine parvovirus, for example, has a mortality rate over 91% in unvaccinated puppies that don’t receive treatment.¹ With aggressive veterinary treatment, survival rates improve to 80-95%, but treatment can cost $1,500-$6,000.1
Vaccination eliminates this risk entirely at a fraction of the cost.
Protecting Other Animals and Humans
Rabies is fatal to both animals and humans once symptoms appear. The only way to prevent rabies transmission is through vaccination. This is why rabies vaccines are legally required—protecting your pet also protects your family and community.
Building Lifelong Immunity
Puppies and kittens need a series of vaccines (not just one) because maternal antibodies can block vaccine effectiveness. The booster schedule ensures your pet develops strong, lasting immunity. After the initial series, most dogs and cats need boosters every 1-3 years to maintain protection.
How Much Do Pet Vaccinations Cost?
Vaccination costs vary by location, clinic type, and which vaccines your pet needs.
Puppy Vaccination Costs
The initial puppy vaccination series (6 weeks through 16 weeks) typically costs $75-100 for core vaccines at most veterinary clinics.² Individual vaccine costs average⁴:
Animal shelters and low-cost clinics often offer vaccines at reduced rates—sometimes free with adoption.²
Kitten Vaccination Costs
Kitten vaccines typically cost $25-60 per shot, depending on the vaccine and clinic.³ Initial veterinary exams range from $50-100, with follow-up visits costing less.
Possible Side Effects of Vaccines
Most pets tolerate vaccines well, but mild side effects can occur within the first 24-48 hours:
Low-grade fever
Mild lethargy or decreased appetite
Soreness or small swelling at the injection site
These typically resolve on their own within a day or two. Serious allergic reactions (difficulty breathing, facial swelling, collapse) are rare but require immediate veterinary attention.
Contact your veterinarian if side effects persist beyond 48 hours or seem severe.
How Pet Insurance Can Help Cover Vaccine Costs
Standard pet insurance plans cover accidents and illnesses, but typically exclude routine preventive care like vaccinations. However, preventive care add-ons can help reimburse vaccine costs.
Spot Pet Insurance plans offer optional preventive care coverage. The Gold tier helps cover core vaccinations including rabies, distemper, and parvovirus, along with annual wellness exams and routine dental cleanings.
For pet parents with puppies, combining accident and illness coverage with preventive care helps manage both unexpected emergencies and predictable routine expenses.
As Spot’s resident cat enthusiast, I am dedicated to researching and sharing information that helps pet owners take the best care of their pets. Pet ownership comes with it’s share of challenges, but my goal is to help make this journey easier.
Venn EC, et al. "A Decade of Treatment of Canine Parvovirus in an Animal Shelter: A Retrospective Study." Animals. 2020. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7341501/
American Kennel Club. "Puppy Shots Schedule: A Complete Guide to Puppy Vaccinations." AKC, 2025. https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/health/puppy-shots-complete-guide/
PetMD Editorial. "Kitten Vaccination Schedule and Costs." PetMD, 2025. https://www.petmd.com/cat/general-health/kitten-vaccination-schedule-and-costs
CareCredit. "Dog and Puppy Vaccination Schedule: When to Get What Shots." CareCredit, 2025. https://www.carecredit.com/well-u/pet-care/vaccination-timeline-for-dogs-and-puppies/
